As with many cities I visited in the US, my first thought of San Francisco is that it is sleepier than I was expecting. However with the recent news on their drug and homelessness issue I had no idea what to expect at the first place. It wasn't until later that my friend informed me that there is not really a main spot like Times Square in NY, it is all about the individualities of the different neighbourhoods.
Although San Francisco is a hilly city it is still relatively walkable, however Uber is super easy as well. If you are lucky enough to have a friend registered for Waymo or Cruise, you should definitely ask them to book you one of the famous Driverless Taxis once. It is one of the best experiences I had in SF.
Accommodation
There are relatively little options in terms of areas of where you can stay in SF. Most of the branded hotels are around Union Square but that side of town is extremely commercialised and also too closed to the homeless central near Tenderloin. After some discussion with my friends I was recommended the Hotel Kabuki - JDV by Hyatt in Japan Town. Japan Town itself was pretty sterile but it was close enough to walk to some attractions.
The room was clean and the service was good. However it did seem a bit dated for the price that I was paying.
Restaurants
I did not come to SF for the food but nonetheless there were some decent finds. The asian cuisines are relatively strong here because of the immigrate population here. I was told the Burmese Food here is pretty good but I did not get a chance to try.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Located in the Ferry Building between Pier 14 & 15, this seaside restaurant has its own oyster farm and serves up some decent seafood.
House of Prime Rib
The Vibe, the food, the people, this is for sure one of the most popular restaurants in town. Booking must be made in advance and if you are a single traveler like me you can walk in and wait for a seat at the bar table. The wait time for about an hour but it was well worth it. They let you sit in the lounge areas if there is space and you can wait whilst you have a glass of wine. There is only one thing on the menu and all you need to do is choose your sides and the way you want your prime rib.
Tartine
One of the most famous bakery in SF near the Mission District. Often a long queue.
Attractions
I don't drive so for some sights the only way I can do it is with a tour, however most of them you can explore yourself as they are within the city.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure located in the Marina District of San Francisco, California, originally constructed for the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition to exhibit works of art. Completely rebuilt from 1964 to 1974, it is the only structure from the exposition that survives on site.
Golden Gate Bridge
Famed 4,200 ft art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic. The best place to view the bridge for me is definitely from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. It is very easy to just get a Uber straight there. It is also worth walking along to bridge for a while too.
Muir Woods / Sausalito / Alcatraz
As the Muir Woods and Sausalito are about 40min drive at the other side of the bridge, the best way for me to do this is with a tour. It was good to have our tour guide to give us some background information on the way there. Do note that no guides are actually allowed to be in the Muir Woods to maintain the tranquility of the site. Alcatraz was also a must see and i would say 1.5 - 2 hrs is more than enough. Ferry back to the island is around every 30 mins.
Fisherman's Wharf
To be honest this is very touristy and apart from the sea lions there are nothing really worth coming here for.
China Town
This is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. Beyond iconic Dragon’s Gate, a bustling maze of streets and alleys brims with dim sum joints and other traditional eateries. Also found are herbalists, bakeries, souvenir shops, and dark cocktail lounges and karaoke bars. There are ornate temples, including the landmark Tien How, as well as the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum. SF generally has a lot of interesting but dark history with immigrates so definitely worth reading up on it.
Cable Car
One of the most iconic symbols of San Francisco, it cost US$ 8 per journey but it is well worth a ride. There are plenty of route you can choose from and you will have to download the Clipper Card App for payment. The Clipper card is a reloadable contactless smart card used for automated fare collection in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Mission
Named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores, the Mission District is an exuberant, evolving neighbourhood with Latino roots and a hipster vibe. Old-school taquerias and eclectic live-music clubs mix with chef-driven eateries and craft cocktail lounges. There are also tattoo parlours, gourmet ice cream shops and Dolores Park, a popular weekend hangout with skyline views. Vibrant murals line streets such as Clarion Alley.The relax cocktail bar with a gastropub vibe.
The Castro
The Castro District, in Eureka Valley, is synonymous with gay culture. Revelers often spill onto the sidewalks at numerous bars, like Twin Peaks Tavern, whose floor-to-ceiling windows were revolutionary when it opened in 1972. The lavish Castro Theatre and the GLBT Historic Museum are also found here, as are homey restaurants and adult shops. On Market Street, 19th-century F-line streetcars head to Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the only area in SF that you are legally allowed to walk around naked.
Alamo Square
Alamo Square is a residential neighbourhood in San Francisco, California with a park of the same name. One of the most iconic images of the Painted Ladies houses in SF are taken here.
Nightlife / LGBT
San Francisco is the land of free love so the nightlife here will not disappoint.
Oasis SF
Sprawling gay nightspot in a former bathhouse featuring cabaret & drag shows, DJs & dance parties. It is a cullture, it is a performance and it is guaranteed a good night. Prebook your tickets in advances for the shows.
SF Eagle
Revival of a legendary LBGT leather bar with periodic drag shows, theme nights & big heated patio.
Hi-Top
This is a some what classier bar with friendly staff and popular music. Great place to start the evening.
Beau
A club too full of people but if you are drunk enough why does it matter. There is a kebab place right next door so perfect for a final stop of a night out.
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street Fair (FSF) is an annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair, held in September that concludes San Francisco's "Leather Pride Week". The Folsom Street Fair, sometimes referred to simply as "Folsom", takes place on the last Sunday in September, on Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets, in San Francisco's South of Market district.
The event started in 1984, and is California's third-largest single-day, outdoor spectator event[5] and the world's largest leather event and showcase for BDSM products and culture.[6][7] It has grown as a non-profit charity, and local and national non-profits benefit with all donations at the gates going to charity groups as well as numerous fundraising schemes within the festival including games, beverage booths and even spanking for donations to capitalise on the adult-themed exhibitionism.
コメント